Hamilton Heights (Tenn.) pulled away in the second half to defeat Pinson Valley (Ala.) 75-57 Thursday night in the final game of the opening day of the 2023 West Kentucky Hoops Classic.
The Hawks led just 31-25 at halftime, but extended that margin to 52-39 through three quarters.
Hamilton Heights (11-2) fell just short of having five players score in double figures. Kevin DeKovachich had 19 points while Bryson Andrews had 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Vito Perkovic recorded 14 points and seven boards, Boyan Li had 12 points and Viktor Mikic added eight points and seven rebounds.
Pinson Valley (10-4) got 20 points from Clyde Walters while Austen Coner had 14 points and Quay Lynch finished with nine.
The taller Hamilton Heights team outrebounded Pinson Valley 40-27.
DeKovachich and Walters were named Hoops Classic Players of the Game.
Both squads will play in Princeton again on Friday. Pinson Valley faces Ben Davis at 3:30 p.m. while Hamilton Heights will meet Miller Career Academy at 6:30 p.m.
Hamilton Heights 13 18 21 23 — 75
Pinson Valley 13 12 14 18 — 57
Hamilton Heights (11-2)—DeKovachich 19, Andrews 14, Perkovic 14, Li 12, Mikic 8, Munyika 5, Lin 2, Yusuf 1.
Pinson Valley (10-4)—Walters 20, Coner 14, Lynch 9, Frost 5, Sigler 5, Holifield 3, Posey 1.
